Can breastfed babies have Gaviscon?

Can Breastfed Babies Have Gaviscon?
The question of whether breastfed babies can take Gaviscon is a common concern among new parents, particularly those dealing with infants exhibiting symptoms of reflux. Gaviscon is a medication typically used to treat heartburn and indigestion, but it has also been prescribed for infants suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Understanding Gaviscon and Its Use in Infants
Gaviscon works by forming a protective barrier on top of the stomach contents, which helps prevent acid from flowing back into the esophagus. This can be particularly beneficial for babies who experience discomfort due to reflux. According to various sources, including healthcare professionals and parenting forums, Gaviscon can indeed be prescribed to breastfed infants, especially when they show signs of reflux.
Consulting Healthcare Professionals
Before administering Gaviscon to a breastfed baby, it is crucial for parents to consult with a healthcare provider. A doctor can assess the infant’s symptoms and determine whether Gaviscon is an appropriate treatment option. In many cases, pediatricians may prescribe Gaviscon after evaluating the baby’s condition and ruling out other potential issues.
Administering Gaviscon to Breastfed Babies
One of the challenges parents face is how to effectively give Gaviscon to a breastfed baby. Since Gaviscon is typically available in liquid form, it can be administered using a syringe or a dropper. Parents have reported varying degrees of success with different methods, including mixing the medication with a small amount of expressed breast milk to make it more palatable for the baby.
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
While Gaviscon is generally considered safe for infants, it is important to monitor for any potential side effects. Some parents have noted that their babies may experience constipation or changes in stool consistency after starting the medication. Therefore, keeping an open line of communication with a healthcare provider is essential to ensure the baby’s well-being during treatment.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfed babies can have Gaviscon if prescribed by a healthcare professional. It is vital for parents to follow medical advice and carefully administer the medication, observing their child for any adverse reactions. With proper guidance and monitoring, Gaviscon can provide relief for infants suffering from reflux, helping them—and their parents—find some much-needed comfort.

Is Gaviscon safe for infants?

Is Gaviscon Infant suitable for babies? Yes. Gaviscon Infant is designed for children between the ages of 1 and 2. If your child is below 12 months of age, consult with your doctor first before administering Gaviscon Infant.

What causes silent reflux in breastfed babies?

Silent reflux is when some contents from your baby’s stomach enter their esophagus but don’t come out of their mouth. Instead, they return to your baby’s stomach. In some cases, this is because your baby swallows them. Other times, it’s because the contents don’t make it all the way up to their mouth.

Does Gaviscon stop baby burping?

Gaviscon Infant sachets are designed to prevent reflux and regurgitation by stabilising the stomach. The active ingredients react with the stomach acid and form a viscous gel. This gel thickens stomach contents, making it more difficult for a feed to reflux back into the food pipe.

How to give Gaviscon to a newborn?

The first medication that is tried is Gaviscon Infant®. If your baby is breastfed, this is given by mixing the powder with a small amount of cooled, boiled water or expressed breast milk and given on a spoon to your baby. If your baby is formula-fed, this can be added directly to your baby’s feed.

Can Gaviscon affect the baby?

6. Pregnancy and breastfeeding. You can take Gaviscon while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. However, if you have indigestion, it’s best to try and treat it without taking a medicine.

How to treat reflux in a breastfed baby?

Helping your baby with reflux

1. get advice about your baby’s breastfeeding position.
2. hold your baby upright during feeding and for as long as possible after feeding.
3. burp (or wind) your baby regularly during feeds.
4. make sure your baby sleeps flat on their back (they should not sleep on their side or front)

How I cured my baby’s acid reflux?

Lifestyle and home remedies

1. Feed your baby in an upright position. Then, hold your baby in a sitting position for 30 minutes after feeding.
2. Try smaller, more frequent feedings.
3. Take time to burp your baby.
4. Put baby to sleep on the back.

Is Gaviscon safe for breastfeeding?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
You can take Gaviscon while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. However, if you have indigestion, it’s best to try and treat it without taking a medicine. For example, it can help to: eat smaller meals more often.

Can you give Gaviscon to breastfed babies?

Dosing regimen and administration. Gaviscon® Infant is supplied as ‘dual sachets’, and each half of the dual sachet is one ‘dose’. For children up to 2 years old: Neonate (body weight up to 4.5 kg) — 1 sachet as required, to be mixed with feeds (or water, for breastfed infants); maximum 6 sachets per day.

Does Gaviscon help silent reflux in babies?

Gaviscon is a medication that we sometimes use for reflux. It works as a thickener to make milk less likely to reflux back up your baby’s food pipe. It can be difficult to give to breastfed babies and it sometimes causes them constipation. Omeprazole is another medication which we sometimes use.